Farrior, Gilbert win PFWA awards

James Farrior wins Chief Award; Gilbert voted Steelers' Rookie of the Year

Steelers linebacker James Farrior and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert were named the 2011 recipients of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Pro Football Writers of America’s annual awards.

Farrior was the recipient of the Pro Football Writers’ “TheChief Award”, which was established in honor of Steelers’ founder, Arthur J. Rooney, Sr. and presented annually to the member of the Steelers’ organization who best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation with the media.

Farrior, in his 15th NFL season, has started 195 career games at linebacker, including 153 as a Steeler. In his 10 seasons with the Steelers, Farrior has compiled 1,200 tackles, 30 sacks, eight interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries. He has started 15 career postseason contests, recording 98 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions, helping to guide the Steelers to victories in Super Bowl XL and XLIII.

Gilbert, the Steelers’ second round draft pick in 2011, was the winner of the “Joe Greene Great Performance Award”, given to the outstanding Steelers’ rookie. Gilbert has played in 13 games with 12 starts, which are the second-most starts of any offensive lineman. Gilbert has been instrumental in the success of the Steelers’ offense, helping to pave the way for the Steelers’ offense to gain more than 370 yards per game. This is the first time in team history that an offensive lineman (C Maurkice Pouncey, Gilbert) won the award in consecutive seasons.